(Keywords: Hiking - Tennessee, North Carolina)

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

View from Boulevard Trail near Mt LeConte The Great Smoky Mountains National Park claims to be the nations most visited, yet few people venture very far from their car. Understandably, it is rough terrain. For those who are just passing through to Gatlinburg, the lure of wilderness adventure is guarded by the necessity for proper preparation. But for those who orient themselves, consider their options, gather resources, and allow sufficient time, a hike in the mountains can be an experience that forever changes your outlook what is important. Many come back from such an experience with a sense of accomplishment, stories to tell, pictures to share, and the memory of a place that does not compete for our attention, but instead waits patiently for us to return.

Use this GPS map data to plan your own trip to the Smokys. This map includes trail data for the hike up Mount Le Conte on the Appalachian Trail, starting at Newfoundland gap. The vistas from this hike are simply spectacular. There are many places along this route with great views but the best are at: The Jumpoff with a 1000' vertical drop beneath you; Myrtle Point which offers almost 360 degree views; and Cliff Top with views atop a rock bald. The view at right is typical of several vistas along the The Boulevard Trail which brings you to the the summit of Mount LeConte near where LeConte Lodge is located. This route has approximately 3,500' of elevation gain over a 15 mile hike. This is not a loop hike so you must arrange a shuttle to get from one end of the hike to the other. See details below for other options.

Click on the binoculars to see a screen shot of Google Earth displaying this GPS map from an aerial view.
GoogleEarth_Image.gif (142KB) opens in a new window.

GPS Map

Download the free GPS Map in GPS eXchange (.gpx) file format, which can be read and transferred to your GPS using free GPS software.
The .gpx file will appear in a new window where you can File > Save as... on your computer

GPS Map Details

Filename: smoky.gpx
File size: 683 KB
Revised: 1 February 2012
Class A Data
Waypoints: 47 points of interest, including:

Select points of interest for tourism in Gatlinburg
Partial listing of National Park features (i.e ranger stations, campgrounds, trailheads)
Detailed waypoints along featured trails.

Tracks: 9 GPS track logs, including:

Appalachian Trail - from Newfound Gap to junction with Boulevard Trail
The Boulevard Trail - from junction with AT to the Lodge at Mt LeConte
Alum Cave Trail - from Mt LeConte to Grassy Patch Turnout
Cades Cove - 11-mile loop around a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains
Pigeon River - whitewater rafting section

Adventure Travel Tip

Be cautious especially in winter while hiking on the trails in the mountains. Trails can be wet and/or icy causing slippery conditions. In places, the trail is carved right out of a cliff and there are no guide rails. Use extreme caution in icy conditions! Also, Newfound Gap Road (Hwy 441) is frequently closed during the winter so make sure the road is open before attempting to drive to the trail head. Check with National park service web site for road closures at: